Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic demographics, attitudes and stated
practices regarding youth access to tanning among Kansas tanning operators. A survey was mailed to Kansas tanning
facilities regarding these questions and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The survey response
rate was 28% (n=651). The majority of the respondents felt that there was “none to a little risk” with indoor tanning
(60%). Most did feel that someone can be too young to tan yet only 65% have ever discouraged one from tanning
because of their age. This study shows 92% of operators support written parental consent, yet they are not practicing
that a parent needs to accompany them on there first visit. Conclusion: It was shown that the majority of operators
believed that written parental consent and age regulations for indoor tanning should be required. This study attempted to give information regarding the need to enforce youth access to tanning to Kansas law makers

Description

Paper presented to the 3rd Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 27, 2007.

Research completed at the Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions